SmackDown Preview: WWE Overlooks Match Bookings for 3-Hour Show
Tonight, SmackDown will be broadcast live from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. This marks the fifth episode in a seven-week build-up to WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18 and 19.
Match Bookings in Question for 3-Hour SmackDown
Leading up to WrestleMania, WWE typically reserves match time for promos and angles. Yet, for tonight’s three-hour episode of SmackDown, not a single match has been officially booked at this time. This unusual situation stands out, especially considering it is less common under Paul Levesque’s creative leadership compared to the Vince McMahon era.
Highlights and Storylines to Follow
- Cody Rhodes is expected to confront Randy Orton tonight as tensions rise leading to the big event.
- Rhea Ripley is set for a response after two weeks of attacks from Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab.
- Nick Aldis announced an Unsanctioned match between Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre for WrestleMania 42, raising questions on the match’s brutality.
- Trick Williams has invited Lil Yachty to tonight’s episode, creating intrigue over potential involvement in an upcoming match against Sami Zayn.
Returning Faces and Potential Matches
Many are curious about whether Chelsea Green can leverage her predicament to include new competitors in the WrestleMania lineup. Meanwhile, Solo Sikoa may face consequences for failing to return the Wyatt lantern.
Upcoming Championship Matches and Open Challenges
- What about the WWE tag team championship? When will Damian Priest and R-Truth defend their titles?
- Sami Zayn, who revived the open challenge for the US title, might face off against Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov for future title shots.
- In the women’s division, a four-way match for the tag team championship at WrestleMania 42 features prominent teams like the Bella Twins and Irresistible Forces.
Miscellaneous Developments
There’s ongoing speculation about The Miz and his potential absence from the WrestleMania card due to last week’s events. Fans are also wondering about the condition of Jelly Roll after being taken out last week.
As anticipation builds for SmackDown, viewers are eager to see how these storylines unfold and what announcements will be made to fill the programming time effectively.
